Smyrna, DE local landlord rules

0 of 13 topics checked What this means

State law also applies. See Delaware landlord-tenant law and the Delaware landlord FAQ. State rules: Security deposit limit · Deposit return deadline · Notice to enter · Late fees · Eviction notice (nonpayment) · Rent increase notice.

Last reviewed 2026-10-16

Quick facts

Topic	At a glance
Rental licensing / registration	Rental housing covered by this code must be registered, licensed or permitted. The code states: "(a) No dwelling unit may be leased, subleased, or occupied by any person until a rental license has been issued by the town" (§ 18-402).
Rental inspections	Rental units covered by this code are subject to inspection. The code states: "No rental certificate of occupancy shall be issued until the town has conducted an inspection to ensure that the dwelling unit is in substantial compliance with the building, plumbing, housing, electrical, fire, and property maintenance codes of the town" (§ 18-403).

Details & sources

Rental licensing / registration

Rental housing covered by this code must be registered, licensed or permitted. The code states: "(a) No dwelling unit may be leased, subleased, or occupied by any person until a rental license has been issued by the town" (§ 18-402).

Verified Source: Smyrna Code of Ordinances § 18-402 · last checked 2026-10-16

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Rental inspections

Rental units covered by this code are subject to inspection. The code states: "No rental certificate of occupancy shall be issued until the town has conducted an inspection to ensure that the dwelling unit is in substantial compliance with the building, plumbing, housing, electrical, fire, and property maintenance codes of the town" (§ 18-403).

Verified Source: Smyrna Code of Ordinances § 18-403 · last checked 2026-10-16

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Research coverage

0 of 13 topics checked at the local level (state law is covered on the state page). A topic counts as checked only when every subtopic in it is checked or no additional requirement was found after a recorded full read. How coverage works.

Topic	Status	Subtopics done
Deposits	Not researched	0 of 2
Deposit return deadlines	Not researched	None tracked at this level
Rent increases and rent control	Not researched	0 of 1
Late fees	Not researched	None tracked at this level
Landlord entry	Not researched	None tracked at this level
Repairs and habitability	Not researched	0 of 1
Screening and application fees	Not researched	None tracked at this level
Fair housing and assistance animals	Not researched	0 of 1
Disclosures	Not researched	0 of 2
Renewal and termination	Not researched	None tracked at this level
Eviction	Not researched	0 of 3
Registration and licensing	Partially researched	2 of 3
Short-term rentals	Not researched	0 of 2

Also applies statewide

Delaware rules that also apply in Smyrna:

Security deposit limit: No more than 1 month's rent for leases of 1 year or more, or month-to-month tenancies that have lasted 1 year or more (furnished units excepted). Verified Source: 25 Del. C. § 5514(a) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full Delaware security deposit limit page
Deposit return deadline: Within 20 days after the lease ends, provide an itemized list of damages and return the balance; failure entitles the tenant to double the amount wrongfully withheld. Verified Source: 25 Del. C. § 5514 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full Delaware deposit return deadline page
Notice to enter: At least 48 hours' notice (except for repairs the tenant requested); entry only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Verified Source: 25 Del. C. § 5509(b) · last checked 2026-10-28 · Full Delaware notice to enter page
Late fees: No more than 5% of the monthly rent, and none within 5 days of the agreed due date. Verified Source: 25 Del. C. § 5501(d) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full Delaware late fees page

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